Resignation of six AIADMK MLAs rock Tamil Nadu Assembly

The resignation of six AIADMK MLAs within a month of taking oath as members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly rocked the House on Tuesday (August 25, 2026). Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar, however, said it was their choice and only the Election Commission of India (ECI) could conduct elections to the constituencies that fell vacant following their resignations.

As the debate triggered angry reactions from AIADMK members led by former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and ruling party members, the Speaker denied further discussion, saying the matter was pending before the court.

The issue was raised by DMK MLA S. Austin, who complained that the voice of the people in the six constituencies (Maduranthakam, Perundurai, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai and Karur) had been crippled and there was no one to represent their views.

“We know how difficult it is to contest and win an election. They would have had to toil hard for a month. Senior citizens who could not walk came out to vote with the hope that their constituencies would benefit from their representatives. Their hopes have been shattered,” Mr. Austin said.

He said there would normally be celebrations among family members, friends and voters after a victory, as being an MLA for five years offered a certain status. “If someone is ready to give up all this and resign within a month of being elected, without even participating in a single session, they could not have done so without expecting a bigger benefit,” he said.

The Speaker said their resignations had been accepted in accordance with the rules and the matter was now before the court. “It is for the ECI to conduct elections in those constituencies and I cannot do anything about it. When elections are held, whoever wins will be ready to work for the people after being elected,” he said.

Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had appointed Ministers in charge of each district and their responsibilities included taking immediate action on all issues concerning the constituencies in their respective districts. “The Ministers are addressing basic issues, including drinking water supply. The Chief Minister and his office are monitoring the situation,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said all governments had appointed Ministers in charge of districts. “But, those six MLAs have not even attended the Assembly session once,” he stated.

When Leader of the House K.A. Sengottaiyan said the Ministers were visiting the constituencies, meeting people and taking action on issues requiring attention, Mr. Palaniswami said one Minister cannot not solve all the problems of a constituency in a single day.

“Only MLAs can meet the people and bring their problems to the attention of the government. Ministers in charge of districts will not be in a position to understand all the problems,” he said.

Mr. Sengottaiyan said the government wanted elections to be held soon in the constituencies and that the ruling party would win all the seats. He also said if AIADMK members accused the ruling party of indulging in horse trading, the resignation of TVK candidate Arun [fielded in Edapaddi but his nominations were not in order] and his joining the AIADMK too should be considered horse trading.

As AIADMK and TVK members indulged in a war of words, the Speaker advised Mr. Palaniswami not to become emotional and to maintain his equanimity.

“You have already spoken about their resignation and the loss and agony caused to the party and its leadership,” Mr. Prabhakar said, adding Mr. Sengottaiyan should have avoided his remarks.